Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Here's a fun one I found that sounds interesting. Small Deceptions: A Novel After The Style of Jane Austen by H. Linn Murphy. It's available on amazon and xlibris. Here's an excerpt from the book. Let me know what you think.

Francesca Kennington merely wants to be left to her studies, despite her mother's best efforts to saddle her with a rich husband. Then she meets a mysterious gentleman, who leads her on a romp through the ballrooms and countryside of Georgian England. How can their romance blossom when they have chosen to keep it a secret from their friends and family? All too soon the small deceptions become too large and Francesca's house of cards tumbles. Can she put things back together and still marry for love instead of money?

Monday, August 29, 2011

August Blog Hop, where bloggers from all over the Internet have come together to throw a summertime party!

Every blog on this hop is offering a fun prize, and entering is quick and easy. Simply follow the instructions on each blog, leave a comment, and bop right along to the next blog. You can win multiple times, so be sure to check out all the participating blogs!

On my blog, you can win an mini Satin Hands set--good for hands, feet and/or a gift--and a Satin Lips set.

To enter:

1. Become a follower of my blog.

2. Answer this question: Out of my nine lives, which one am I on? Click here to find the answer.

3. Leave me a comment with the answer and you're email. I can't tell you if you've won if I can't contact you!

This blog hop runs through Wednesday night at midnight, so be sure to enter before then! The winner will be notified by e-mail.

Now that you've entered my contest, come meet all my other blog friends and see what fun things they are offering!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

I recently read a post by Laura Bingham. (For the life of me, I'm struggling to find the exact post, but here's a link to her blog!) She talked about someone begging for her next book and gave us what she was really thinking. Something along the lines of, 'If you really liked my book so much, you'd go and tell 25 friends about it,' and then went on to say that the next book we see from her won't be from the same series. That makes me sad and yet I see the truth to it.

As readers, we don't want to sift through the thousands of books to find the one good one. We ask people for recommendations. We read what's popular at the time. In short, we read what other people tell us to read (sort of). Some books and authors I have come to love, I would never have heard of if it wasn't for my membership in ANWA or other people suggesting them to me.

So how can we help these authors? Tell people about their books. Review their books on amazon, goodreads, facebook, blog, really anywhere to get the names out there. Marsha Ward recently had a support an ANWA sister week. I admit, I didn't get to it that week, but I saved all the links and will get to them.

In fact, I've been doing a Book Buzzin' Tuesday since the beginning of the year. I've now decided that there are enough books out there that I should have been doing a post every Tuesday. Since Marsha's email, I've been doing just that. Now, every Tuesday I'm posting about someone's book, whether it be about an upcoming release, one I've already read, or one I've just discovered. Hopefully it will help get the word out.

If you ever find yourself with nothing to read then, hop on over and there will be a ton of suggestions on my blog. Consider this an invitation to join me in my quest to get the word out about some amazing books!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Royal Target by Traci Hunter Abramson. At the LDStorymakers conference this past year, I was told that my writing style was similar to Traci's. So, I had to pick up one of her books and see. I did realize how many books she had published and had a difficult time choosing just one--sometimes I don't like budgets :-)--and to be honest I don't remember why I bought this one. I'm glad I did though. I can see some similarities and I'm anxious to read more of her work.

I liked the setting and premise of this story. The intertwining love story worked really well and the I felt for the characters. I learned a lot about how the CIA operates and loved trying to figure out what was going to happen next. I would highly recommend this for anyone that loves a good mystery wrapped in a love story. A definite :) :) :) :) :) Here's a blurb about and an interview with Traci. Let me know what you think!

When CIA agent Janessa Rogers meets the royal family of Meridia on assignment, she expects to use her skills in linguistics and security detail to protect and serve, but she doesn’t expect to find herself engaged to Prince Garrett Fortier, Meridia’s most eligible bachelor, as part of the security plan. And she certainly doesn’t expect to fall in love with him. Janessa resists her feelings, fearing conflicts in her personal and professional life, yet when the Prince admits his feigned affection has become genuine she can no longer pretend. Matters of security, society, and spirituality make their unlikely romance even more complex, and escalating political intrigue gives Janessa an excuse to ignore the questions in her heart. But when a terrorist plot against the royal family endangers them both, Janessa and Garrett must face the challenges of loyalty to family, to country, to God—and to love.

What made you decide to become a writer?

Being a writer was one of those dreams I've had since I was little. I loved to read so it followed that I would love to write. Of course, I was also going to be a veterinarian, a jockey, a journalist, an Olympian and any other number of things.

Who inspires you?

People who serve. I am so often inspired by people who are dedicated to serving in the armed forces or in one of the many other organizations whose primary goal is the safety of others. I am also inspired by the those people I see all around me, regular people who so often step out of their comfort zone to lend a helping hand to someone simply because they see a need.

What would you like your readers to get out of your writing?

That's a hard question. I write because I want to read a story that has yet to be written. In short, I write for my own entertainment. My hope is that my readers will laugh and cry along with me and my characters and just maybe find a perspective they haven't considered before.

Where did this idea come from?

An opening scene in Royal Target, one that takes place in Caracas, Venezuela, was born out of an actual incident, but mostly this book developed from tidbits of experiences combined with a lot of imagination.

Who was your favorite character to develop?

For this book, my favorite character was definitely Janessa. I loved the way she always seemed to find trouble without looking for it even though she typically was trying to make good choices.

Any advice for aspiring authors?

My best advice is to find someone who will give you honest feedback and then listen. With the emergence of e-books and publication-on-demand, getting published is relatively easy now in comparison to years past. Getting published well is as much a challenge now as it has always been. Write your best book and then make it better.

What can we expect next from you?

My next book, Obsession, will be released next month (September 2011). I am currently working on a spin-off of Royal Targetwhich will hopefully find its way into publication early next year.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

So, another idea has sprung that has insisted on getting put on the page. Since I'm at a stand still with my other works I figured I must obey or pay the consequences. The working title is Anya's Trek about a gal's experience on a pioneer trek for the youth. So if anyone has any experiences they'd like to share . . . I'm all ears. Happy Writing!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Sadie Hoffmiller is looking forward to spending her favorite baking season of the year making delicious New England recipes in Boston, Massachusetts, with her favorite leading man, Pete Cunningham, as they babysit his three young grandsons. But when the boys insist that Mrs. Wapple, the woman who lives across the street, is a witch, Sadie and Pete are anxious to distract the boys from such Halloween-induced ideas. However, it gets harder and harder to explain the strange things that keep happening, particularly after Sadie learns the eccentric Mrs. Wapple has been attacked in her home.

As the unexplained occurrences escalate, Sadie finds herself embroiled in yet another mystery with life-or-death consequences. Can Sadie discover whoever—or whatever—is behind the mystery before anyone else gets hurt? Or will this be Sadie’s last case?

I'm excited for this new addition to the Culinary Mystery Series by Josi. I've reviewed English Trifle and Key Lime Pie. Keep your eyes open for this one in September!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

English Trifle and Key Lime Pieby Josi S. Kilpack. I picked up English Trifle at a writing conference because I love to read about places I've never been. Add a little mystery into that and I'm sold. I loved the book so much that when I found Key Lime Pie on an excursion I could actually spend money on, I picked it up without thinking twice.

Sadie is probably one of my favorite characters in a mystery novel. I love her nosiness that always seems to get her in trouble. She doesn't mean to, but . . . It makes for a good laugh yet at the same time gets your mind turning to try to solve the mystery before Sadie does.

English Triflewas set in England and I really enjoyed getting to taste Great Britain from Sadie and her daughter's perspective. I didn't realize this was a series until I had begun reading it, but it's done in a way that they don't need to be read in order. I would recommend this one who enjoys a good, light mystery with different culinary flavors. It's a definite :) :) :) :) :).

In Key Lime Pie , Sadie went to Florida, another place I've never been. I liked again getting to see the area through Sadie's eyes. I learned fun facts about a few different states that I didn't know and thought I had solved the mystery, but didn't. It's always fun to find a book where you're not quite right in how you think it ends. I would recommend this one to anyone who has a sweet tooth and loves a good mystery. It is also a definite :) :) :) :) :).

The next best thing about Josi's books are the recipes. I loved the idea of having the main character a food fanatic (even though I'm not) that always is finding new recipes along the way and sharing them as well. A few of them sounded good enough I might even try them. That's saying something.

Take a look at Josi's website (where she has all her recipes), blog and let me know what you think. Here are blurbs on both books and an interview Josi was kind enough to do for us!

England:

High Crimes at High Tea

Visit Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and the London Zoo

Take the Jack the Ripper tour — creepy!

Sample authentic English scones and crumpets

Discover a dead body

What begins as a holiday trip for amateur sleuth and cooking aficionado Sadie Hoffmiller and her daughter, Breanna, turns into a bizarre mystery. First comes the discovery of a dead body in the sitting room of an English manor belonging to the family of Breanna’s boyfriend, who is also heir to the family title. When the body comes up missing, Sadie and Breanna are stranded at the estate until the police can clear them to leave.

Armed with a jogging whistle, her personal recipe collection, and an unfailing sense of American justice, Sadie begins her own investigation to find the killer. But when she seems to encounter one dead end after another, Sadie wonders if anyone is telling the truth — or if the case is really as hopeless as it appears to be.

Layer by layer, Sadie uncovers a mouth- watering mystery with an English flair. Included are Sadie’s favorite new recipes for American English Trifle, High Tea Lemon Cookies, Coconut Macaroons, Wake ’Em Up Breakfast Casserole, Sausage Rolls, Crumpets, and Sadie’s Scrumptulicious Scones.

When Sadie Hoffmiller s new friend, Eric Burton, receives word that his missing daughter s body may have been found in Florida, he immediately packs his bags. Sadie is determined to stay home and prove to everyone that she is not a busybody.

But when she senses Eric is hiding something, Sadie is compelled to take action. Before she knows it, she’s in the heart of Miami, trying to piece together a trail littered with broken relationships, mysterious strangers, and forged documents that might just provide Eric the answers he’s been desperately searching for–or reveal a truth he might not be ready to face.

Sadie must also face a difficult question: Where is her heart leading her? Onward into Eric’s adventurous arms? Or back home to the stable and steady Pete Cunningham? If only love was as easy to follow as a recipe.

Once again, Sadie finds herself in the company of some colorful characters and some good ol’ southern cooking. But despite the drama and intrigue, all Sadie really wants is to go home . . . as soon as she does just one more thing.

When did you decide to become a writer?

Short answer: About a week before I started submitting my first book.

Long answer: Up until I wrote my first book I had never thought about becoming a writer, let alone a novelist. I’d never had a teacher tell me I was talented, I’d never really written for anything outside of what I needed to do. I’d gotten A’s in English through high school (which made up for the Ds in math) and taken just one year of college; during which I took all the writing classes I could. After that I got married and started a family and never thought about writing until, while on bedrest with a pregnancy, I started writing a short story because I had run out of other things to do and the idleness was making me neurotic. That story grew and grew and ignited something within me that I didn’t know was there. Even when I had this 300 page story I didn’t think about publishing—publishing was just SO big. I mean, to be a novelist? I was a mom, I was a homemaker. How could someone like me publish a book? However, I’d had a great time writing that book and after the encouragement from friends I jumped into it and a year and a half later I had my first published book. For me, writing was a bend in the road I didn’t see coming, but boy has it become a journey since then.

Looking back I can see that years of reading “taught” me a lot about fiction—what I liked, what I didn’t like, and the basic structure of fiction. Then the passion was struck, and I sought out to learn what I didn’t know I didn’t know.

What Inspires you?

I seem to find inspiration everywhere. People, place, food, TV shows, trivia, relationships, people watching, other books, etc. There is just so much in the world to see, feel, hear, taste, and shake a fist at that it seems tidbits of stories jump out at me all the time. The trick, of course, is to them make those tidbits into something worth writing that will be worth readers reading. In regard to Sadie, she was my attempt to prove some people wrong but she quickly grew into something else as she attracted a lot of little tidbits to herself and became very real to me.

What would you like your readers to get out of your writing?

The first thing I hope they get is good entertainment. I write clean and I try to keep the story gripping enough to keep the reader’s attention. I hope, at the end, they feel a sense of satisfaction, that the story ended the way it should have ended and that they thoroughly enjoyed the story. There are themes I love to have noticed, like the value of relationships, the power of integrity, and good conquering evil, but if people simply enjoy the story, I’m satisfied.

Who was your favorite character to develop?

Sadie has been my favorite character to develop. She started out much different than she is and became more sassy as the story grew. She’s changed in small ways, and yet is a “good” person. Her quest for truth isn’t about anything other than genuinely caring about people. As the series continues, it’s more and more of a challenge to keep her who she is, and yet allow her to continue her own development and become stronger in the process.

Advice for aspiring writers:

First, ask yourself why you want to write. Money isn’t a bad motivator, but most writers I know have a day job for many years as they wait for their career to take off and so if money is your only motivation, you will likely burn out before it feels like you’ve succeeded. If you want to change the world, that’s a good motivator too, but remember that there are 50,000 books published in the US every year. A lot of them are trying to change the world. The motivation, therefore, that everyone needs is to love it. If you love to write it can work, but if the love of it isn’t there, then you’ll make yourself crazy with unfulfilled expectations.

Second, drown yourself in writing experiences. Write anything you can, read about writing, attend writing conferences, become part of a writing group, enter writing contests, and show the people in your life that this is real by treating it as such. Writing is not easy but if it enriches your soul and gives purpose to your life, then pursue it with fervor and embrace the challenges it presents with a can-do attitude. I don’t know anyone who had a publisher knock on their door and say “I hear you like to write?” you have to be the one to put yourself out there; only then can you be discovered.

What can we expect from you next?

I’m just finishing up book seven in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series. It’s titled Banana Split and takes place on the island of Kauai. As soon as I finish, I’ll be diving headfirst into book eight. I’m putting out two books a year right now and it keeps me running. I have a side project I’m working on with some friends, but, for the most part, Sadie is dominating my writing life. We’re looking to do ten books in the series, then evaluate where we’ll go from there.

Where can we purchase your book?

You can find me on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Deseretbook.com. You can also request copies through your library, which is a great way for my books to discover new readers.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

I really don't have anything to report. I seem to be stuck in a rut and when that happens, I turn to reading. So that's what I've been doing a lot of lately. Take a look at my buzzin' and reviews every Tuesday and Thursday. Also, if you know of something you'd like me to buzzin' and/or review, let me know. I'll put it on my list!

Carl Owen doesn't intend to lose anything—not his land, not his cattle, and certainly not his girl—ever again!

The young cavalryman returns from the Civil War to find the family farm destroyed, his favorite brother dead, food scarce, and his father determined to leave the Shenandoah Valley to build a cattle empire in Colorado Territory. Crossing the continent, Carl falls in love with his brother's fiancée while set to wed another girl, but he might lose everything if the murderous thug Berto Acosta has his way. Carl battles a band of outlaws, a prairie fire, blizzards, a trackless waterless desert, and his own brother—all for the hand of feisty Ellen Bates.

Thinking he's been treated unjustly by his father, James Owen leaves the family homestead to make a new life for himself.

The turbulent world of post-Civil War Colorado Territory is fraught with danger and prejudice that increase his bitter loneliness as personal setbacks threaten to break him. Then James's journey brings him into contact with another wayfarer, beautiful young Amparo Garcés, who has come from Santa Fe to Colorado to marry a stranger. Through a twist of fate, their futures are changed forever when their lives are merged in a marriage of convenience. James and Amparo undertake a hazardous horseback trek over Raton Pass to Santa Fe, battling their personal demons, a challenging language barrier, and winter's raging storms.

Jessie Bingham put heartbreak away to tend to her sister's needs, but when she settled for second best in love, she didn't foresee that James Owen would come back into her life.

The aftermath of the Civil War creates cruel circumstances for the Bingham family. A brutal attack on Jessie's sister, Hannah Fletcher, drives the extended family to flee to the West. They are soon joined by Heppie Bingham's beau George and his brother, Ned, who bring news that the Binghams are being pursued by cronies of Hannah's attacker. Even after they fight off that onslaught, poverty, bad weather, and Hannah's frightful secret plague their journey. Nursing her battered heart when she hears James Owen took a wife, Jessie accepts Ned's offer of marriage. But a stop on the trail holds surprises that launch Jessie into a bewildering tangle of values, emotions, and high adventure.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

I've been having trouble thinking of what to post lately. My mind has been preoccupied with other things. Life has a funny habit of getting in the way of some things. :) But I found myself, the other day, looking at the world through the eyes of a cinematographer. It's amazing what they see and how they can shift so seamlessly from the big picture to the minutest detail, with each scene making a huge impact. (I'm not saying every cinematographer does this well, but when it happens, it can sure be magical.)

That concept has given me a different perspective on writing. I've tried to find what type of scene (the big picture or the smallest detail) will make the biggest impact. It's really been a fun process and added more to the story, when it's done well of course. :) The last part, for me, is happening more and more in my head rather than on paper. I'm finding that when the baby bites my knee and makes a grab for the keyboard, it's time to put it up. Needless to say, I'm not getting much writing done. But the story is wonderful in my head!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

My Ridiculous, Romantic Obsessions by Becca Wilhite. The cover has intrigued me for awhile now and I finally picked it up. I'm glad I did. This fun, cute story had me smiling from the beginning to the end. I loved how Becca was able to capture the feelings and emotions of the college age, especially after a heartbreak. I loved meeting and getting to know the characters. This is a bookI would recommend for anyone. It rates a:):):):):).Here's a blurb about the book and Becca was kind enough to answer some questions for us. Take a look and let me know what you think!

Sarah Howard's first year at the university is everything and nothing she expected especially when a very cute boy named Ben in her Art History class starts to show interest in her.

Sarah feels like she's an average, normal, everyday girl. So, when Ben (to whom she secretly refers as Adonis because she thinks he could be a Greek god) begins to take interest in her, Sarah is in denial. For one thing, last year she was deeply crushed and humiliated by Jesse James a guy who she thought liked her.

She's determined not to get burned again. But in her heart of hearts, what she

really wants is a Jane Austen kind of romance. Ridiculous, right? That kind of romance doesn t exist anymore . . . or does it? Sarah is smart and fun to be around and even pretty, despite her Medusa-like red curls. She even plays the guitar. (So does Ben!) Yes, Sarah is everything Ben has wanted. He's crazy for her, but Sarah is just not getting it. She's playing hard to get, and if she s not careful, she s going to lose a real hot gentleman -- her 21st-century Mr. Darcy.

What made you decide to become a writer?

I love books, and I love stories. I guess I thought, "Why not get in on this?" So I tried it. And it turns out to be a whole lot of work, but really, really fun work (most days). I think a lot of us feel like we have stories inside us, but we just need a push to get them out.

Who inspires you?

Loads of people inspire me to different things, but I'm assuming you mean writing-wise. So the Husband inspires me to get to it every day, and the Kids inspire me by laughing at what I read them. Writer friends inspire me by their extraordinary creations, and having a community of writers is such an important thing (we tend to become a little solitary, with our hair growing long and tangled as we sit inside our caves scratching out poetry in the darkness. Oh, does that not happen to most people?) Okay, back to writers who inspire me by their writing? Sharon Creech. Kate DiCamillo. Terry Pratchett. Leif Enger. Markus Zusak.

What would you like your readers to get out of your writing?

I want people to laugh at this book. It is supposed to be ridiculous. Hence, the title. I love a book that - when I put it down - makes me sigh, "Life is pretty great." Even if I have to slog through some hard parts to get to that point. So I guess I'd like to bring a laugh and a sigh.

Where did this idea come from?

Sometimes I think I'd like to crack open someone's head and look at the insides - what makes them tick. (Don't be gross. I'm being metaphorical.) Sarah's character seemed to funny to explore from the inside, since she's such a clueless wreck and so, so insecure. If you don't believe a character can be so stupid and so smart at the same time, well, clearly you've never been me.

I'm working on something Totally New (I like to make my life sound like an over-the-top radio ad, whenever possible) but I don't have any contracts attached to it yet. I promise I'll let you know when there's something to know!

Where can we purchase your book?

I think it's everywhere, and I know indie bookstores are awesome at ordering if you ask them for it. It's also online here and there, for those of us who don't like to leave the house if we can at all help it. (That was a joke. Outside = goodness.)

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

I think I might be taking a break on my writing to help critique some friends works. I always learn so much from others and have wonderful 'Ah-Ha' moments while doing it. An 'Ah-Ha' moment would come in very handy right now. :) Happy Writing!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin. Fantastic book. I wanted to buzz it again. If you've read it, hop on over to Amazon or Goodreads and write a review. (That's the best way to let an author know you like their book!) If you haven't read it, jump on the band wagon and read it. It's wonderful! Here's my review and a little blurb about the book.

It's only after her husband leaves that Meg finds out she's pregnant. Now facing the prospect of single parenthood, she'll have to rely on the family she pushed away, the church she abandoned, and an unexpected friendship to see her through. This touching story combines romance with real conflicts to remind you it's never too late to find love - if you know where to look.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Janitors by Tyler Whitesides is a very creative, fun book to read. It is perfect for any age and anyone with an imagination. Who would have every thought a school janitor would make such a wonderful character. I have to admit that I had my doubts when I first picked up the book, but once I began I couldn't put it down. I loved the imagery, character development, and the way Whitesides recreated a school. The idea was ingenious. This is definitely a :):):):):). Take a look at the Janitorswebsite and the writing contest they have going on. Here's a blurb about it and some interview questions I asked Tyler. Let me know what you think!

Have you ever fallen asleep during math class? Are you easily distracted while listening to your English teacher? Do you find yourself completely uninterested in geography? Well, it may not be your fault. The janitors at Welcher Elementary know a secret, and it’s draining all the smarts out of the kids. Twelve year-old Spencer Zumbro, with the help of his classmate Daisy “Gullible” Gates, must fight with and against a secret, janitorial society that wields wizard-like powers. Who can Spencer and Daisy trust and how will they protect their school and possibly the world? Janitors is book 1 in a new children’s fantasy series by debut novelist Tyler Whitesides. You’ll never look at a mop the same way again.

1. What made you decide to become a writer?Writing a book has been a lifelong dream of mine. I've written stories since I was a little boy. Before I learned to type I remember doing extra house work for my mom. In exchange, she would typeset my stories. Seeing the published version of Janitors has truly been a fulfillment of a my childhood goals and dreams.

2. Who inspires you?Kids are really inspiring to me. I love spending time with my nieces and nephews. My wife is a 3rd grade teacher and I enjoy visiting her students. I like to see how they behave, hear what they say, and watch how they interact with each other. Kids inspire me, and I hope that Janitors will be a fun story for them.

3. What would you like your readers to get out of your writing?Of course, I hope that the story will entertain my readers. I want it to be a fun, imaginative ride. But more than that, my readers will take away some important life lessons; standing up for what's right, trusting family and friends. And I think it's time for school janitors to get more positive press!

4. Where did this idea come from?I got the idea for Janitors while I was working at a middle school as a part-time janitor. The time it took to sweep the floors and take out the trash was valuable daily brainstorming for me. It was there that I realized that the janitors are the unsung heroes of the school. I wanted to develop a story that would showcase them in a fun and creative way.

5. Who was your favorite character to develop?I really loved developing my two main characters, Spencer and Daisy. It was fun to figure out how their personalities would work together. Spencer is a germaphobic 12 year old. He has a lot of responsibly that causes him to be quite mature. Daisy is inherently gullible, which leads to a lot of laughs. She is steady and thoughtful and, as long as she doesn't get tricked, she usually does what is right.

6. Any advice for aspiring authors?

Read. Make sure to read books in your genre. If you want to write young adult books, you should read young adult books. It's important to familiarize yourself with your genre. Find out what works for you and what doesn't. Then write on... and keep writing. Don't give up!

7. Where can we purchase your book?Janitors can be purchased almost everywhere books are sold. You can order it on Amazon.com or stop by Walmart, Costco, Barnes&Noble, Deseret Book, or Seagull Book. I'm excited to get the story out there and share it with everyone! I hope you enjoy Janitors!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

So I'm a little late on this post. I'm still working one paragraph at a time and riding the up and down roller coaster of life. I wish there was more to say other than my latest focus has been to try to eliminate most of the 'ing' and 'ly' words. It really does make for a stronger sentence. And now the baby's biting my knee. Guess it's time to go. :)